Indian Envoy Meets US Lawmakers; Discusses Trade And Energy Ties

India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, met Congressman Rudy Yakym to discuss bilateral relations, trade cooperation, and the expanding energy partnership. He thanked Yakym for his consistent support.

“Had a productive conversation with @RepRudyYakym on India-US bilateral ties. Exchanged notes on our trade cooperation and the growing energy partnership with the US, which is integral for India’s energy security. Appreciated his support for the relationship,” Kwatra wrote on X.

Series of Meetings with US Congress Members

Kwatra’s meeting with Yakym marked the latest in a string of high-level interactions with US lawmakers across party lines.

On Thursday, he held talks with Congressman Blake Moore, Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, and exchanged views on bilateral trade and India’s energy imperatives.

He also met Representative Mike Kelly, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Taxation, to discuss trade and economic ties.

Kwatra highlighted India’s growing hydrocarbon imports from the US as a crucial factor for India’s energy security.

In a separate engagement, Kwatra met Representative Carol Miller, Chair of the Congressional Energy Export Caucus.

He briefed her on India’s energy trade with the US and reiterated India’s support for global peace efforts, including the Alaska Summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

US Lawmakers Emphasise Partnership

Earlier, Kwatra met Representative Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who reaffirmed Congress’s strong support for the India-US partnership, which has grown over the past 25 years, including through the Quad framework.

Meeks, however, voiced concerns over Trump’s tariffs, calling them ‘arbitrary’ and harmful to bilateral ties. He underlined his commitment to strengthening the partnership despite these trade tensions.

On August 27, President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports, doubling an earlier 25% levy in response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs denounced the move as ‘unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable’, stressing that India’s energy needs and strategic autonomy must be respected.

Also Read: At UN, India Welcomes ‘Positive Developments’ In Ukraine Peace Efforts